The Lot Valley

France - The Lot Valley

Naturetrek Tour Report 13 - 20 May 2006

Man x Monkey Orchid hybrid

The Causse near Cabrerets

Violet Limodore

Images and report compiled by Mark Galliott

Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk Tour Report France - The Lot Valley

Tour leader: Mark Galliott

Tour participants: Mike Winter Sue Winter Chris Schofield Jan Beckett Patricia Bishop Marie Ramsden-Fisher Jan Willy George Potter

Day 1 Saturday 13th May

Warm, cloudy The flight was over an hour late into Toulouse where the group was welcomed by Mark, our locally based guide. After quickly loading up the mini-bus we then headed North up the Autoroute through the initially flat countryside, noting many Black Kites along the way. Leaving Montauban the hills at last started to close in around us, as we entered the area of the limestone “Causse”, with distant views of small villages and majestic chateaux. Here, we had our first glimpse of the remarkably rich flora of the area, with the road verges a riot of colour. Most prominent were the yellow of Scorpion Senna-Coronilla emerus, the white of Snow-in-summer- Cerastium tomentosum, the blue of Meadow Sage-Salvia pratensis and the lovely pink of the Rock Soapwort -Saponaria ocymoides.

We had our first view of the River Lot near Cahors, before leaving the motorway and twisting our way down to Vers. Following the river eastwards, we noted the gradually more precipitous cliffs as the gorge narrowed, until we turned off left up the adjacent Célé valley for Cabrerets and our hotel. After allocating the rooms, we had the first of many lovely dinners, but before retiring to bed, a distant Scops Owl was heard calling, which turned out to be ever present all week.

Day 2 Sunday 14th May

Mist clearing, then sunny and hot Our first morning, we drove the short distance down into the village, before parking the minibus next to the ancient bridge that spans the clear waters of the River Célé. Serins were everywhere, with their distinctive tinkling song, but we also had good views of House Martins nesting on the village buildings with their cousins Crag Martins also on the more natural habitat of the cliffs overhead.

From here we took a track which skirted another cliff with lovely views over the river back towards the village, already astounded by the sheer number of colourful blooms that surrounded us. These included Meadow Saxifrage-Saxifraga granulata, Bastard Balm-Mellitis melissophyllum, Wild Jasmine-Jasminus fruticans, Columbine- Aquilegia vulgaris, Bloody Crane’s-bill-Geranium sanguinium and Tassel Hyacinth-Muscari comosum. At the same time we were seemingly surrounded by birdsong, with many Nightingales and Blackcaps, and singles of both Bonelli’s and Melodious Warbler.

Moving up gradually onto the plateau into an area of scrub and grassland known as the Forêt de Monclar, we ate our first picnic lunch next to an old stone shepherd’s hut. Here along the forest rides we could enjoy the many butterflies that were now on the wing. Berger’s Clouded Yellow, both Scarce and Common Swallowtail, Black- veined White, Pearly Heath, and Adonis Blues were all abundant, with rarer species including Western Dappled White, Mallow and Red-underwing Skipper. Other attractive insects which caused plenty of discussion and were new to most of the group were the yellow and black Ascalaphids, Libelloides longicornis, and the beetle-like Field Crickets-Gryllus campestris.

Further up the slope in more open areas many orchids were seen including Lady, Man, Burnt-tip, Early Purple, Monkey, Woodcock, and Lizard orchid in bud. Other interesting plants were Ground Pine-Ajuga chamaepitys, Blue Bugle-Ajuga genevensis, Grass-leaved Buttercup-Ranunculus gramineus, sheets of Wild Candytuft-Iberis amara, and Small Alison-Alyssum allysoides. The latter is now practically extinct in the UK. Near a Neolithic dolmen (burial chamber) a little Stripe-less Tree Frog-Hyla meridionalis was found along with its tadpole offspring in the adjacent small pond, while a pair of Red-backed Shrikes and a Tawny Pipit delighted the birdwatchers.

Day 3 Monday 15th May

Hot and sunny A short drive brought us to Bouzies across the River Lot via a very narrow bridge, noting the imposing “Defile des Anglais” built into the cliff along the way. We parked near the river here, and started by walking alongside the river through some pleasant meadows noticing the attractive Crimson Clover-Trifolium incarnatum, and good numbers of the attractive little Meadow Fritillary butterfly.

The cliffs were now towering away above our heads and the path increasingly hugged the base as we continued onto the “Chemin de halage”. This is a towpath spectacularly carved into the side of the cliff to enable gangs of men to pull boats along in the days before powered craft. It was here we had very close views of Crag Martins as they flew up and down and around us, now and again returning to their nests on the cliff just above our heads. This was also a good place for some nice plants with Tower Cress-Arabis turrita, the lovely blue Purple Gromwell-Ltihospermum purpurocoeruleum, and in one spot where moisture seeped down from above a huge clump of Maidenhair Fern-Adiantum capillus-veneris.

We were now nearing the lovely “hanging village” of St Cirq-Lapopie with its ancient half-timbered houses and wonderful views of the river valley far below. After a short stiff climb everyone was then able to enjoy the sights there, before we had our picnic lunch in the shady village square. Here from the viewpoint we were able to see some Alpine Swifts in amongst the more numerous Common Swifts. During the afternoon we gradually worked our way back down through mainly woodland to the mini-bus by means of attractive footpaths and tracks. Interesting plants seen were Carthusian Pink-Dianthus carthusianorum, Black Pea-Lathrus niger, and the orchid Violet Limodore just coming into flower. Along here much shuffling and grunting from the middle of some very dense undergrowth caused a heated debate over whether the origin came from a Wild Boar or a much more mundane source, a human cutting wood?

As the evening was warm and sunny, after dinner we drove a little way up the Célé valley to a cliff face which is a regular nesting site for a pair of Eagle Owls. We parked by the river just as the light was fading and quickly walked to where we had a good view of the nest area on the cliff. After a little while, a bird emerged from

2 © Naturetrek June 06 France - The Lot Valley Tour Report somewhere near the top of the crag, perched for a short while on a rock, before flying off over the “causse” in search of prey. Naturally everyone present was extremely impressed with the sheer size of this rare and secretive bird (the largest European Owl), and it was a spectacular and fitting way for us to end another wonderful day.

Day 4 Tuesday 16th May

Rain clearing then sunny periods, hot and humid Because of the uncertainty of the weather, we decided to visit the Peche Merle caves first thing in the morning and then hope that the weather improved later. These have many spectacular prehistoric cave paintings of horses, bison, mammoths, fish, and negative hands, as well as some wonderful formations of stalactites and stalagmites. After the visit to the cave the group then looked around the very informative museum with everyone enjoying this rather different form of nature spotting!

The weather was improving now, so after eating our lunch in one of the cave car parks we decided to explore the back roads, and to spend the rest of the afternoon at a view point overlooking Cahors. Emerging onto the plateau we firstly paused by the roadside, where Skylarks and Corn Buntings were singing and showing well, before stopping to explore an area of rough scrub and grassland. Many good plants were in bloom here including Blue Pimpernel-Anagallis foemina, Fly Orchid-Ophrys insectifera, Spring Sandwort-Minuartia verna, Feather Grass- Stipa pennata, and the delicate little blue Knapweed-like Carduncellus mitissimus. Reaching a good viewpoint over the river Lot we were then treated to our first Red Kites, and also our first Cleopatra butterflies, the males being similar to a Brimstone, but with distinctive orange markings on the wings.

Moving on to Mont St Cyr we admired the magnificent views of Cahors with its medieval quarter, and the huge meander of the River Lot which almost encircles the town here. There are extensive grasslands here and it also is a good place for orchids and other interesting plants. Oxtongue Broomrape-Orobanche picridis were numerous, while Man and Lizard Orchids were abundant everywhere, the latter now in full flower, showing what an attractive plant it can be. The rare hybrid between Man & Monkey-Orchiaceras bergonii was also pointed out to group.

Back at the hotel after dinner, the strange sound of at least one Nightjar could be heard high up on the opposite cliff-face.

Day 5 Wednesday 17th May

Sunny, very hot A pleasant drive up the Lot valley, and through the small town of Cajarc up onto the high “Causse” brought us to the Mas de Pégouriés. Here there is a patchwork of woodland, scrub, and more open country grazed by sheep, with impressive dolmens a relic of the very distant past. We parked the minibus, and immediately started to climb up to the highest point here with superb views over the surrounding area. This was a good spot for the many low growing plants that thrive on these dry shallow limestone karst soils. Good examples being White & Blue Flax-Linum suffruticosum & L. narbonense, White Rockrose-Helianthemum appininum, and the yellow Rockrose- like -Fumana procumbens. Butterflies were also frequent with Heath and Spotted Fritillary, Large Wall Brown, Large Grizzled Skipper and Southern White Admiral particularly common, while a pair of Subalpine Warblers on their breeding territory delighted us by providing good views.

Moving down into the woods there were many impressive specimens of Greater Butterfly, Monkey, and Lady Orchids and more Violet Limodores. It was a good year for the latter species, as some years the flowers have a tendency to abort before opening, hence its Latin name of Limodorum abortivum! It was getting very hot now, so after eating our picnic lunch in a clearing some of us walked back through the village to collect the minibus, while the remainder awaited our return by sheltering in the shade of an old wall. A Stonechat and a pair of Tree Sparrows were good bird sightings on the way.

In the afternoon we decided to drive to a secluded valley to the north of the hotel, so setting off down the Célé valley we stopped at a couple of spots, one of which we had Dipper and Grey Wagtail. The neighbouring Vers valley has some lovely unspoilt meadows with plenty of lush vegetation along its bottom, bordered by Oak and Ash woodland on its flanks. Here were large specimens of Sword-leaved Helleborine and the Robust Marsh Orchid, both new to us this week, while the last of the abundant Pheasant’s Eye Narcissi were just hanging on to their blooms. Wood White and Duke of Burgundy were welcome additions to the butterfly list.

Arriving early back at the hotel for refreshment, Monsieur Labrousse, the owner proudly showed us a Giant Peacock Moth, which he had found around the back of the hotel. A Mediterranean species, the largest moth in Europe, it sometimes flies as far north as central France.

Day 6 Thursday 18th May

Cloudy, showers We headed East today for a change of scenery and species to the acid rocks of the region to the North of Figeac, stopping on the way at a supermarket for picnic supplies, where fortunately the heavens opened while we were inside. Parking at the lovely old medieval village of Cardaillac, we then walked uphill to the Plan d’Eau des Sagnes, a small artificial lake nestling amongst the pines here. Immediately it was very noticeable that there were many new plant species present that are actually very scarce in this part of France, owing to their absence on the predominantly limestone soils. These included Spiked Rampion-Phyteuma spicatum, Royal Fern-Osmunda regalia, Twayblade-Listera ovata, Bell Heather-Erica cinerea and the deep purple Knotted Crane’s-bill Geranium nodosum. Unfortunately owing to the overcast and windy conditions there were no dragonflies in evidence at the lake, although we did hear the lovely fluting song of a Golden Oriole, but as usual could not get a glimpse.

Trying to shelter from the rain we took our lunch underneath some pine trees, but were then promptly showered with pine needles when the wind picked up! Two new orchid species cheered us up though, these being the Tongue-Serapias lingua and Bee-Ophrys apifera. With the weather improving somewhat we circled back around to Cardaillac, enjoying the views south along the way. Here some members preferred to relax and take coffee, while the rest explored the fortifications, including the twin towers, one of which has been well restored giving wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. From here numerous Swifts could be enjoyed wheeling and shrieking around our heads, which along with Jackdaws were nesting at the top of the other tower.

We then made two stops in the surrounding lovely unspoilt countryside finding some more good plants including Viper’s Grass-Scorzonera humilus, Heath Spotted Orchid-Dactylorhiza maculata, Burnt-tip Orchid-Orchis usulata, Whorled Caraway-Carum verticillatum, while all the meadows here were red with sheets of Ragged Robin- Lychnis flos-cuculi.

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Day 7 Friday 19th May

Sunny periods, warm, windy. Another glorious day, as we drove the short distance up the Célé valley to park near the start of the walk which leads to the “Chateau des Anglais” at Brengues, another of the many remnant fortifications dotted around this area as testimony to the ferocity of the one hundred years war. Emerging from the village, we climbed gradually to eventually traverse a wide ledge on the side of the cliff, with lovely views below to the river and beyond. Here there was a superb assemblage of colourful plants, including many Orchids, the stunning blue Broomrape- Orobanche ramosa, Pink Bindweed-Convulvulus cantabrica, the attractive white Sandwort-Minuartia lanuginosa, Spiked Star of Bethlehem-Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, many spikes of Woodcock Orchid-Ophrys scolopax, and the large and very photogenic yellow Woad-Isatis tinctoria, used as the source of a blue dye in times past. A pair of Kestrels were seen and probably nesting above us on the cliff face, while at one point a Hoopoe obligingly flew just over our heads. Returning to the mini-bus we then had lunch down in the shade by the River Célé noting the strange little parasitic Purple Toothwort-Lathraea clandestina which nourishes itself on the roots of the Willows here.

We had decided to do today’s walk in two stages, so Mark dropped us off at the start of the afternoon stage, where we initially followed a track through open scrubby countryside, which was very good for birds, including pairs of Red-backed Shrike and Hoopoe, singles of Woodlark, Tawny Pipit, Melodious Warbler, and Stonechat, but best of all great views of four magnificent Short-toed Eagles, including a pair showing us their spectacular courtship flight routines. We then gradually worked our way back down through woodland to the village, where a rocky area gave us a large colony of St Bernard’s Lily-Anthericum liliago, with the large white umbellifer Laserpitum gallicum, Sulphur Clover-Trifolium ohroleucon, and Crested Cow-wheat-Melampyrum cristatum also admired.

Returning to the hotel we then enjoyed the last of the many very good dinners that we had eaten during our stay.

Day 8 Saturday 20th May

Sunny, hot After having breakfast, and being waved off by Monsieur Labrousse and his family, we sadly made our way back along the River Lot to Cahors, where a photo stop was firstly made to admire the medieval “Pont Valentre”. From here we drove into the centre of the town, where everyone spent a pleasant time either visiting the old medieval quarter around the cathedral, or sampling the local produce at the large and colourful weekly market.

We then made our way back out to the Auto-route for the journey to the airport at Toulouse, stopping on the way in a picnic area for our lunch. We were nice and early at Toulouse airport for the check-in, where fond farewells were made by all, before boarding our flight.

Species lists

Birds

Common name Scientific name Sightings Grey Heron Ardea cinera Seen most days. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Superb views of 4 birds including courtship display flight on day 7. Red Kite Milvus milvus Only a single seen on day 4. Black Kite Milvus migrans Common, seen most days. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Common. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Occasional. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa One bird on day 4. Quail Coturnix coturnix Calling bird on day 5. Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Single bird seen on day 5, & calling on day 7. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Frequent. Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Seen on day 2. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Occasional. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Frequently heard calling. Tawny Owl Strix aluco Heard on two nights. Scops Owl Otus scops Heard most nights at the hotel. Some distance away! Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Good views of an adult leaving the nesting site at dusk on day 3. Nightjar Caprimulgus Heard calling high above the hotel on days 5 & 6. europaeus Swift Apus apus Common. Alpine Swift Apus melba At least 6 at St CirqLapopie on 3. Hoopoe Upupa epops Good views of 3 birds on day 7. Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major Birds seen on days 2 & 6. Green Woodpecker Picus viridus Heard on days 2 & 4. Skylark Alauda arvensis Seen on days 2 & 4. Woodlark Lullula arborea Good views of a single on day 7. Crag Martin Ptynoprogne rupestris Frequent. Swallow Hirundo rustica Common. House Martin Dilichon urbica Common. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Birds seen on days 2 & 7. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Birds seen on days 4 & 5. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Common. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Frequent by water. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Frequent heard & occasionally seen. Dipper Cinclus cinclus Singles seen on the stream near the hotel. Dunnock Prunella modularis Occasional. Robin Erithacus rubecula Frequently heard & occasionally seen.

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Common name Scientific name Sightings Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Singing everywhere, fleeting glimpses? Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochrurus A pair nesting with 2 young at the hotel. Stonechat Saxicola torquata Occasional Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Occasional Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Singles seen on days 6 & 7. Blackbird Turdus merula Very common Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Very common in all habitats. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Frequent, occasional views. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans A pair showing well on day 5. Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Seen on days 2& 5, heard frequently. Chiffchaff Phyllosscopus colybita Common. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Occasional, heard on days 6 & 7. Spotted Flycatcher Musicicapa striata One birds seen on day 4. Great Tit Parus major Common. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Very common. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalus caudatus Birds seen on day 2. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Occasional Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla One bird seen & confirmed by call on day 2. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Good views of pairs on days 2 & 7. Magpie Pica pica Frequent Jay Garrulus glandarius Common. Jackdaw Corvus monedula Frequent, nesting on the cliffs. Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone Common. Raven Corvus corax Occasional. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Frequent Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus One bird heard on day 6. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Very common. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Pair seen on day 5. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Very common. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Occasional. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Occasional. Serin Serinus serinus Singing everywhere, occasional good views. Corn Bunting Millaria calandra Good views on day 4.

Butterfly list

Swallowtail common most days Scarce Swallowtail common most days Black-veined White common most days Large White only on day 3 Small White occasional Green-veined White only on day 3 Western Dappled White only on day 2 Orange Tip frequent (continues flying much later here) Clouded Yellow frequent Berger’s Clouded Yellow abundant Brimstone occasional Cleopatra only on day 4 Wood White occasional Green Hairstreak occasional Small Copper only on day 3 Little Blue on days2, 4, & 7 Holly Blue only on day 7 Brown Argus frequent Adonis Blue the commonest Blue Common Blue frequent Duke of Burgundy only on day 5 Southern White Admiral frequent Red Admiral occasional Painted Lady frequent Heath Fritillary only on day 5 Spotted Fritillary frequent Meadow Fritillary occasional Glanville Fritillary common Small Heath very common Pearly Heath frequent Southern Speckled Wood common Wall Brown common Large Wall brown frequent Grizzled Skipper frequent Large Grizzled Skipper occasional Red Underwing Skipper on days 2 & 3 Mallow Skipper on days 2 & 5

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Other invertebrates list

Praying Mantis-Empusa pennata Ascalaphid-Libelloides longicornis Field Cricket-Gryllus campestris Grasshopper (blue flashes)-Oedipoda caerulescens Froghopper sp-cercopis vulnerata Tiger Beetle-Cicendula germanica Ground Beetle-Carabus auratus Leopard Slug-Limax maximus Roman Snail-Helix pomatia a Beetle-Trichodes alvearius Carpenter Bee-Xylocopa violacea Leaf beetle-Clytra quadripuctata Millipede sp-Tachypodoiulus niger Gendarme Bug-Pyrrhocoris apterus Juventus Shield Bug-Graphosoma italicus Bishops Mitre Bug-Aelia acuminata Dung Beetle-Aphodius sp Spider-Diadorsata sp 6 Spot Ladybird-Coccinella sp Common Blue Damselfly-Enalagma cyathigerum Broad-bodied Chaser-Libellula depressa Latticed Heath Moth-Semiothisa clathrata 5-spot Burnet Moth-Zygaena trifolii a Burnet Moth-Zygaena fausta Chimney Sweeper Moth-Odezia atrata Giant Peacock Moth-Saturnia pyri Lackay Moth larva-Malacosoma neustria Oak Eggar Moth larva-Lasiocampa quercus Hummingbird Hawkmoth-Macroglossum stellatarum Forester Moth-Adscita statices Speckled Yellow Moth-Pseudopanthera macularia

Reptile & amphibian list

Wall Lizard-Podarcis muralis Stripeless Tree Frog-Hyla meridionalis

Mammal list

Beech Martin Fox Common Shrew Roe Deer Boar

Fish list

Chub

Plant list Scientific name Common name Day first seen

EQUISETACEAE

Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail 3

FERNS

Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 3 Athyrium felix-femina Lady Fern 6 Dryopteris felix-mas Common Male Fern 3 D.affinis Scaly Male Fern 6 D. carthusianum Narrow Buckler Fern 6 Polypodium australe Southern Polypody 2 P. vulgare Common Polypody 6 Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield Fern 6 Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart’s-tongue Fern 2 Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort 2 A. ruta-muraria Wall Rue 2 A. adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort 6 Ceterach officinarum Rustyback Fern 2 Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern 2 Blechnum spicant Hard Fern 6 Osmunda regalis Royal Fern 6

CONIFERS

Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine 2 P. nigra Black Pine 6 P. sylvestris Scots Pine 6 Juniperus communis Common Juniper 2 Taxus baccata Yew 7

SALICACEAE

Salix caprea Goat Willow 6 S. alba White Willow 3 S. cinerea Grey Willow 6 Populus x canadensis Hybrid Poplar 3 P. tremula Aspen 6 P. nigra Black Poplar 3

JUGLANDACEAE

Juglans regia Walnut 2

BETULACEAE

Betula pendula Silver Birch 6 Alnus glutinosa Alder 2

CORYLACEAE

Carpinus betulus Hornbeam 5 Coryllus avellana Hazel 2

FAGACEAE

Fagus sylvatica Beech 5 Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut 6 Quercus petraea Sessile Oak 2 Q. pubescens Downy Oak 2 Q. cerris Turkey Oak 2

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Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Q. ilex Holm Oak 3

MORACEAE

Ficus carica Fig 2

ULMACEAE

Ulmus minor Small-leaved Elm 2 U. glabra Wych Elm 2

CANNABACEAE

Humulus lupinus Hop 3

URTICACEAE

Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle 2 Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall 3

POLYGONACEAE

Rumex acetosa Sorrel 3 R. acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel 6 R. pulcher Fiddle Dock 5 R. crispus Curled Dock 6 R.obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock 2 R. sanguineus Wood Dock 6 Reynoutria japonica Japanese Knotweed 3

CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear 2 C. glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear 3 C. tomemtosum Snow-in-summer 1 Stellaria media Common Chickweed 3 S. neglecta Greater Chickweed 6 S. holostea Greater Stitchwort 6 S. alsine Bog Stitchwort 6 Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort 2 Arenaria leptoclados Lesser Thyme-leaved Sandwort 3 A. serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort 3 Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort 4 Scleranthus annuus Annual Knawel 6 Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey 6 Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin 6 Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly 2 S. latifolia White Campion 2 S. vulgaris Bladder Campion 2 S. saxifraga 3 S. dioica Red Campion 6 Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort 1 S. officinalis Common Soapwort 3 Dianthus carthusianorum Carthusian Pink 3

RANUNCULACEAE

Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 2 R. ficaria (leaves) Lesser Celendine 2 R. acris Meadow Buttercup 2 R. bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup 2 R. gramineus Grass-leaved Buttercup 2

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

R. flammula Lesser Spearwort 6 Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore 2 Clematis vitalba Old Man’s Beard 2 Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine 2

PAPAVERACEAE

Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine 2 Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy 2 P. dubium Pale Poppy 3

FUMARIACEAE

F. officinalis Common Fumitory 4 F. capreolata Ramping Fumitory 7

CRUCIFEREAE

Isatis tinctoria Woad 7 Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress 2 C. pratensis Lady’s Smock 3 C. flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress 6 C. impatiens Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress 3 Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard 2 Draba muralis (seedheads) Wall Whitlow-grass 2 Lunaria annua (seedheads) Honesty 2 Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard 6 Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse 2 Arabis turrita Tower-cress 2 A. hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress 2 A. recta Annual Rock-cress 3 Iberis amara Wild Candytuft 2 Alyssum alyssoides Small Alison 2 Lepidium heterophyllum Smith’s Cress 2 Biscutella laevigata Buckler Cress 2 Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress 2 Hesperis matronalis Dame’s Violet 3 Thlaspi perfoliatum (seedheads) Cotswold Penny cress 2 Nasturtium officinale Watercress 6

RESEDACEAE

Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette 3

CRASSULACEAE

Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort 2 Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop 5 S. dasyphyllum Thick-leaved Stonecrop 2 S. telephium Orpine 2 S. album White Stonecrop 7 Sempervivum tectorum Houseleek 7

SAXIFRAGACEAE

Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage 2 S. tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage 6

PLATANACEAE

Platanus x hybrida London Plane 2

ROSACEAE

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Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Sangiusorba minus Salad Burnet 2 Geum urbanum Herb Bennet 2 Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry 3 P. reptans Creeping Cinquefoil 2 P. tabernaemontani Spring Cinquefoil 2 P. erecta Tormentil 6 P. recta Sulphur Cinquefoil 2 Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 2 C. laevigata Midland Hawthorn 2 Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 2 P. avium Wild Cherry 3 Sorbus torminalis Wild Service Tree 2 S. aria Whitebeam 3 Aphanes arvensis Parsley-piert 6 Fillipendula vulgaris Dropwort 2 Rubus fruticosus ssp Bramble 2 Rosa canina ssp Dog Rose 2 Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 2 Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry 2 Mespilus germanica Medlar 2 Spiraea hypericifolia 2

LEGUMINOSAE

Ceris siliquastrum Judas Tree 2 Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia 2 Psoralea bituminosa Pitch Trefoil 2 Cytisus scoparius Common Broom 6 Coronilla emerus False Senna 2 C. minima Small Senna 2 Onobrychis viciifolia Sainfoin 1 V. sativa ssp sativa Common Vetch 2 V. hirsuta Hairy Tare 2 V. sepium Bush Vetch 2 V. pannonica Fodder Vetch 2 V. cracca Tufted Vetch 5 Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling 2 L. sphaericus 2 L. niger Black Pea 2 L. alphaca Yellow Vetchling 5 L. linifolius Bitter Vetch 2 L. sylvestris Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea 2 Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot Trefoil 2 L. pedunculatus Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil 6 Medicago arabica Spotted Medick 2 M. lupulina Black Medick 2 M. sativa Lucerne 3 M. polymorha Toothed Medick 2 Trifolium repens White Clover 2 T. pratense Red Clover 2 T. campestre Hop Trefoil 2 T. dubium Lesser Trefoil 2 T. ochroleucum Sulphur Clover 6 T. incarnatum Crimson Clover 3 T. arvense Hare’s-foot Clover (in bud) 6 Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch 2 Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch 2 Genista pilosa Hairy Greenweed 6 Argyrolobium zanonii 7 Pawlonia tomentosa Foxglove Tree 3 Ornithopus perpusillus Bird’s-foot 6

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

OXALIDACEAE

Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Oxalis 3

GERANIACEAE

Geranium robertianum Herb Robert 2 G. sanguineum Bloody Crane’s-bill 2 G. purpureum Little Robin 3 G. lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill 2 G. molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill 2 G. dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill 2 G. rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane’s-bill 2 G. columbinum Long-stalked Crane’s-bill 2 G. nodosum Knotted Crane’s-bill 6 Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill 2

LINACEAE

Linum bienne Pale Flax 3 L. narbonense Blue Flax 2 L. catharticum Fairy Flax 5 L. suffuticosum White Flax 5

EUPHORBIACEAE

Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury 3 Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge 2 E. esula Leafy Spurge 3 E. helioscopia Sun Spurge 2 E. amygdaloides Wood Spurge 2 E. seguriana 5

POLYGALACEAE

Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort 2 P. serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort 6 P. amarella Dwarf Milkwort 6 P. calacarea Chalk Milkwort 5

CORIARIACEAE

Coriaria myrtifolia Mediterranean Coraria 2

ACERACEAE

Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 6 A.campestre Field Maple 3 A. monspessulanum Monpellier Maple 2

HIPPOCASTANACEAE

Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut 3

ANACARDIACEAE

Pistachia terebinthus Turpentine Tree 3

AQUIFOLIACEAE

Ilex aquifolium Holly 6

CELASTRACEAE

14 © Naturetrek June 06 France - The Lot Valley Tour Report

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Eunymous europaeus Spindle 2

BUXACEAE

Buxus sempervirens Box 2

RHAMNACEAE

Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn 3 R. catharticus Common Buckthorn 2

TILACEAE

Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime 2 T. cordata Small-leaved Lime 2 Tilia x vulgaris Common Lime 3

MALVACEAE

Malva officinalis Common Mallow 2

GUTTIFERAE

Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort 3 H. humifusum Trailing St John’s-wort 6 H. pulchrum Elegant St John’s-wort 6 H. androsaemum Tutsan 6

VIOLACEAE

Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet 3 V. odorata Sweet Violet (leaves) 2

CISTACEAE

Helianthemum appeninum White Rockrose 2 H. nummularium Common Rockrose 2 H. canum Hoary Rockrose 7 Fumana procumbens Fumana 5

CUCURBITACEAE

Bryonia dioica White Bryony 2

ONAGRACEAE

Epilobium hirsutum Great Willow-herb

CORNACEAE

Cornus sanguinea Dogwood 2 C. mas Cornelian Cherry (fruits) 2

ARIALACEAE

Hedera helix Ivy 2

UMBELLIFERAE

Erngium campestre Field Eryngo (last years seedheads) 2 Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd’s Needle 2 Conopodium majus Pignut 2

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Laserpitum gallicum Sermountain 7 Orlaya grandiflora Orlaya 2 Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip 2 Heracleum sphondylium ssp sibiricum Southern Hogweed 3 Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley 2 Chaerophyllum temulum Rough Chervil 3 Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder 3 Angelica sylvestris Angelica 6 Torilus japonica Hedge Parsley 6 Foeniculum vulgare Fennel 7 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 6

ERICEAE

Erica cinerea Bell Heather 6 Calluna vulgaris Ling 6

PRIMULACEAE

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 3 A. foemina Blue Pimpernel 4 Primula veris Cowslip (seedheads) 2

OLEACEAE

Fraxinus excelsior Ash 2 Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet 2 Jasminium fruticans Wild Jasmine 2 Phillyrea latifolia 2

MENYANTHACEAE

Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle 3 V. major Greater Periwinkle 2

ASCLEPIADACEAE

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Swallow-wort 2

RUBIACEAE

Rubia peregrina Wild Madder 2 Sherardia arvensis Field Madder 2 Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw 2 G. saxatile Heath Bedstraw 6 G. verum Lady’s Bedstraw 2 G. pumilum Slender Bedstraw 2 G. palustre Marsh Bedstraw 6 Cruciata laevipes Crosswort 6

CONVOLVULACEAE

Convulvulus cantabricus Pink Bindweed 4 C. arvensis Field Bindweed 2

BORAGINACEAE

Buglossoides purpurocaerulea Purple Gromwell 3 Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss 2 Symphytum tuberosum Tuberous Comfrey 3 Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not 2 M. discolor Changing Forget-me-not 6 M. secunda Creeping Forget-me-not 6

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Pulmonaria longifolia Lungwort (leaves) 3

LABIATAE

Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle 2 A. reptans Common Bugle 6 A. chamaedrys Ground Pine 2 Lamium purpureum Red Deadnettle 2 L. album White Deadnettle 6 L. maculatum Spotted Deadnettle 3 Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel 3 Stachys officinalis Betony (leaves) 3 S. sylvatica Hedge Woundwort 6 S. recta Yellow Woundwort 2 Origanum vulgare Marjoram 2 Thymus serpyllum Breckland Thyme 2 T. praecox Common Thyme 2 Salvia pratensis Meadow Clary 2 Teucrium chamaedrys Wall Germander (leaves) 2 T. scorodonia Wood Sage 6 Melittis mellisophyllum Bastard Balm 2 Mentha sauveolens Apple Mint 3 Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme 2 Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy 2 Prunella vulgaris Self Heal 3 Clinopdium vulgare Wild Basil 2

SOLANACEAE

Saloanum dulcamara Bittersweet 6

SCROPHULARACEAE

Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein (in bud) 2 Scrophularia canina French Figwort 3 S. auriculata Water Figwort 3 Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax 2 Veronica. chamaedrys Germander Speedwell 2 V. persica Common Field Speedwell 2 V. officinalis Heath Speedwell 6 Digitalis lutea Small Yellow Foxglove (leaves ) 2 D. purpurea Common Foxglove 6 Linaria supina Prostrate Toadflax 2 Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle 6 Lathraea clandestina Purple Toothwort 7 Melampyrum pratense Common Cow-wheat (leaves) 3 M. cristatum Crested Cow-wheat 7

GLOBULACEAE

Globularia punctata Globularia 2

OROBANCHACEAE

Orobanche alba Thyme Broomrape 2 O. hederae Ivy Broomrape 3 O. ramosa Hemp Broomrape 7 O. picridis Ox-tongue Broomrape 4

PLANTAGINACEAE

Plantago major Great Plantain 2 P. lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 2

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

P. media Hoary Plantain 5 P. sempervirens 5

CAPRIFOLIACEAE

Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle 2 L. periclymenum Common Honeysuckle 6 Sambucus nigra Elder 2 S. ebulus Dwarf Elder 2

VALERIANACEAE

Valerianella locusta Common Corn-salad 2

V. rimosa Broad-fruited Corn-salad 4 V. dentata Narrow-fruited Corn-salad 2 Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian 2 Centranthus ruber Red Valerian 2

DIPSACACEAE

Knautia arvesis Field Scabious 2 K. sylvestris Wood Scabious 3 Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious 2

CAMPANULACEAE

Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower 7 C. persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower 5 Phyteuma spicatum Spiked Rampion 6 Jasione montana Sheep’s-bit Scabious 6

COMPOSITAE

Bellis perennis Daisy 2 B. annuus Annual Daisy 2 Achillea millefolium Yarrow 3 Senecio vulgaris Groundsel 2 S. jacobaea Common Ragwort 3 Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle 2 C. arvense Creeping Thistle 6 C. palustris Marsh Thistle 6 Carduus tenuifolium Slender Thistle 7 C. nigrescens 2 Carduncullus mitissimis 4 Centaurea nigra ssp nemoralis Slender Knapweed 2 Tragopogon pratensis Goatsbeard 2 Myecelis muralis Wall Lettuce 3 Lapsana communis Nipple-wort 2 Arctium minus Lesser Burdock 6 Lactuca perennis Blue Lettuce 2 L. virosa Great Lettuce 5 Hieracium amplexicaule a Hawkweed 2 Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s-ear 6 Artemisia camphorata a Mugweed (leaves) 5 Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile 5 Chamaemulum nobile Chamomile 6 Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy 2 L. corymbosum 7 Inula montana (in bud) a Yellow daisy 4 Scorzonera humilis Viper’s grass 6 Pilosella officinalis Mouse-ear Hawkweed 6 Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony 2

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Gnaphalium uliginosum Marsh Cudweed 6

ALISMATACEAE

Alisma plantago-aquatica Common Water Plantain 6

LILACEAE

Anthericum liliago St Bernard’s Lily 2 Ornithogalum umbellatum Common Star of Bethlehem 3 O. pyrenaicum Spiked Star of Beth 6 Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth 2 Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom 2 Asparagus acutifolius a wild Asparagus 7 Allium sphaerocephalon Round-headed Leek (in bud) 3 Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron (leaves & seed) 5 Narcissus poetidus Poet’s-eye Narcissus 5

DIOSCOREACEAE

Tamus communis Black Bryony 2

ARACEAE

Arum italicum Large Cuckoo Pint 2

JUNCACEAE

Luzula forsterii Southern Woodrush 2 L. pilosa Hairy Woodrush 6 L. multiflora Heath Woodrush 6 Juncus effusus Soft Rush 6 J. tenuis Slender Rush 6 J. bufunius Toad Rush 6

CYPERACEAE

Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush 5 Scirpus sylvaticus Wood Club-rush 6 Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge 2 C. hallerana 2 C. remota Remote Sedge 6 C. sylvatica Wood Sedge 3 C. echinata Star Sedge 6 C. pallescens Pale Sedge 6 C. pendula Drooping Sedge 3 C. laevigata Smooth Sedge 6 C. divulsa Grey Sedge 2

POACEAE

Festuca vivipara Viviparous Fescue 2 F. lemanii Glaucous Fescue 4 F. tenuifolia Fine-leaved Sheep’s Fescue 6 F. gigantean Giant Fescue 3 F. rubra Red Fescue 2 Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue 2 V. myosurus Rat’s-tail Fescue 2 Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass 2 Briza media Quaking Grass 5 Bromus sterilis Barren Brome 2 B. hordeaceus ssp hordeaceus Smooth Brome 2 B. erectus Tall Brome 2

Scientific name Common name Day first seen

Anthoxantum odorarum Sweet Vernal Grass 6 Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass 2 P. trivialis Rough Meadow Grass 2 P. nemoralis Wood Meadow Grass 3 P. pratensis Smooth Meadow Grass 2 Brachypodium syvaticum False Brome 2 B. pinnatum Tor Grass 4 Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Grass 2 Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass 2 Elymus repens Common Couch 5 Hordeum murinum Wall Barley 2 Stipa pennata Feather Grass 2 Desmazeria rigida Fern-Grass 5 Melica uniflora Wood Melick 3 M. ciliata Ciliate Melick 3 Molinea caerulea Purple Moor Grass 6 Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog 3 Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 6 A. capillaries Common Bent 6 Koeleria vallesiana Somerset Hair Grass 4 Phleum bertolonii Small Timothy 3

ORCHIDACEAE

Epipactis helleborine Broad-leaved Helleborine (leaves) 3 Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine 5 Aceras anthropophorum Man Orchid 2 Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid 2 Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid 2 O. simia Monkey Orchid 2 O. morio Green-winged Orchid 2 O. ustulata Burnt-tip Orchid 2 O. purpurea Lady Orchid 2 Dactylorhiza maculate Heath Spotted Orchid 6 Ophrys scolopax Woodcock Orchid 7 O. areonola Small Spider Orchid 7 O. insectifera Fly Orchid 4 O. apifera Bee Orchid 6 Limodorum abortivum Violet Limodore 3 Himatoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid 2 Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid 6 Platanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid 5 Listera ovata Twayblade 6 Dactylorhiza elata Robust marsh Orchid 5 + the hybrid Orchiaceras bergonii (Orchis simia x Aceras anthropohorum)

Nomenclature according to Flora Europaea except Orchidaceae (Delforge-Orchids of Britain & Europe).